Chapter 3: Royal letters

POV David

Outside it was raining heavily. It had the feeling of being an auspicious day, like something big was going to happen. I stood on the edge of the training ground, staring at the field of mud. In my hands was my new saber. Isz had given it to me late last night.

The blade was beautiful, it almost shone with light from within. Even Vir hadn't known why it did that. But the thing was beautiful. Thirty six inches of steel, sharpened to a fine edge. Etched into the handguard was a pair of angelic wings. The scabbard was plain black, my initials etched near the top. I adjusted my belt and turned my back on the training ground. I won't be practicing here today. Perhaps I could find a spare room?

My brief search failed to yield a suitable room and I was forced to abandon my quest. Reluctantly I headed for the library, hopefully I could find what I'd been working. With the help of the librarian I found it again and settled into an alcove to continue my studies. The world's history was far different than mine. There didn't seem to be many large wars, but dozens of smaller wars that may yield a couple of small battles before a treaty was ratified. No… perhaps in this aspect it was very similar to how war was waged in the Middle Ages.

My brother seemed to have some… ideas about that. Frankly I was more interested in the political and economic systems.

The world was feudal in nature, kings and queens ruled the land and delegated the management to lower nobles that ruled fiefs in the queen or king's stead. The ranks were similar to our own world, or maybe that was whatever magic was working to translate the language wing spoken.

"Ah, there you are sir Fulton." I glanced up at my name to see the Earl's wife taking a seat next to me.

"Good morning, was my suggestion of any help?" I said in greeting.

"Indeed, I do have another problem I'd like your advice with, if you'd be so kind?" She asked.

"Of course." I closed the book and put it to the side.

"Your suggestion from last time, about alternative ways of collecting taxes worked wonderfully, but what am I to do with it? I've found it rather perplexing, most merchants won't purchase can't afford such a large amount."

"So quite a few people paid taxes in crops instead of caah?" I asked, I pondered for a moment, "in that case you can sell it back to your people at a discounted price, as a form of welfare. That'll help with preventing hunger and keep the people happy with subsidized food."

"Is something like that truly worth it?" she asked with a frown. To her it must have seemed like I hated money.

"By selling the basic foods at a discount to those families in need that struggle to sustain themselves they'll be able to afford the more expensive necessities of living, possibly becoming more productive members of society, that'll lead to them paying more in taxes." I shrugged.

"You'll be exchanging the crops paid in lieu of proper taxes for hard currency, you can think of it like that if you'd like." I said as the thought struck me.

"I do like that about you, how frank you are." she chuckled.

"Well, it takes much longer to discuss a simple topic with the many mannerism." I shrugged, "besides I'm still rather caught up in a few of them."

"It was a compliment David." She sighed and produced a letter from somewhere and handed it to me.

I eyed her with suspicion as I took the warm envelope and looked over the wax seal. Unbroken, but who would be writing me a letter? The seal didn't match the Barford crest. Her gentle smile did little to put me at ease either. I broke the seal and opened the letter, unfolding the page within which I started to read.

Sir Fulton, David.

I apologize for writing so suddenly, but I was informed of your extraordinary circumstances by my good friend Sera. My name is Alison Louise Vandame, Sera told me you prefer frankness so please address me as you see fit. I do wish I could talk with you myself but I unofourntenly have many important matters to attend to in the near future. Perhaps we may meet each other during the Spring festivities in the capital? Those normally summoned are greeted with great fanfare as the heroes they are, rest assured I'll do my best to make sure you are treated as you should be should you be free to visit the court this spring.

I must apologize for my ramblings but it has allowed me to get this weight off my chest. Sera has told me of your quick mind for rulership, while we have no records of a hero of such caliber I do entrust her judgement. In light of our traditions I grant you the rank of Baron, the fief of Lobau shall be transferred to you, to be inherited by your direct descendants or siblings.

I have informed Sera of this already and she shall serve as your lord. Please be at peace in my country, for it is all I want, your acquaintance, Alison.

I slowly put down the letter, having read it a couple times. What the hell? Who was Alison and what did she want with me? Better yet, who was she? Wait a moment, didn't she 'grant' a fief? I scanned the letter again…

Lobau… where the hell was that? I looked up at Sera, whose name I'd finally learned and shoved the letter at her. "The hell is this?"

"It's quite clear isn't it Baron Fulton?" She chuckled.

"That's not funny." I protested.

"Very well, in all seriousness I didn't expect her majesty to do something like this, but I will support you as she asked of me." She replied.

"That's not what I meant!" I threw my hands in the air and stood up, pacing around the small table. "Who is Alison? Why give me a title? Why trust me with a title and land when we've never met!"

"Relax Baron, I will assist you." Sera gestured for me to sit down. I took a few breaths to calm myself and took a seat.

Suddenly the Earl burst into the library clutching a letter in his hands. "Ah! David, my friend there's wonderful news!" He rushed over and started showing me the letter.

"The Queen has granted you peership my friend! This is a first in decades!" He clasped my shoulder and chortled with glee.

"Of course it'll be official in a few months when she'll grant you the title herself but don't let that hold you down!"

"Calm down dear, I was just telling him." Sera sighed in exasperation at her husband's antics.

"Oh…" he deflated, "I see…"

He quickly cheered up again however. "I'll have the servants…"

"Husband!" Sera glared at Gregory until he wilted once more.

A bit of energy returned to him as he shook my hand, "Baron Fulton, I do hope we can remain good friends, her majesty must expect great things from you."

"O… of course." I did my best to maintain a smile, but I felt it wasn't really working.

Gregory left for a while to have a few servants prepare a meal while Sera and I began discussing the finer points of rulership.

"I must be plain David, I disapprove of this 'democracy' and 'democratic process' you seem intent on. Just because it worked in your old home does not mean it will work here" Sera reproved me.

"The people should have the right to choose." I argued. She sighed as Gregory came back with the servants and a small meal. The discussion thus ended, we turned to different things to discuss.

"David, I'm quite jealous of you, several of us nobles have been vieng for Lobau these past few months, that valley has some good ore veins." Gregory huffed.

"I'll be sure to put them to use then." I replied. Ore… iron I presume? Maybe I could try for some kind of industrial revolution? That would certainly be fun. Better not get too ahead of myself though.

"I hope it's not too much of a bother but could you allow my siblings to stay here should they choose?" I asked, they'd probably rather set off and do their own thing. Just the other day Smith had visited the adventurer's guild. Rebecca was doing some trading I think, either way she was making her own money.

"Of course we'll host them until you get a proper residence sorted." Gregory glanced at his wife.

She nodded, "I forgot to mention, but her majesty wished to forward you a sum of silver to ease the first few months of managing your fief, I'll forward it in her place."

"Ah… thank you." Shit. I suppose it'll be nice to have some spending money when I get there right away instead of trying to figure out where the previous lord kept it. But the term forward… god it feels like a loan. A loan without conditions is as good as a leg iron.

We discussed a few more items before agreeing to retire for the day. Now it was time to poach a few servants. I wonder if Isz would be willing to change employers? I also have a few guards in mind.